A ministry support team has handled legal questions and Diet answers for him as upper-house opposition parties weigh a censure motion.
Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana speaks at a press conference in the Diet building on October 13. (©Sankei/Shimpei Okuhara)
Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana apologized on October 13 for burdening ministry staff after suggesting he would cut road funding to municipalities whose mayors had not supported him in the recent Lower House election.
Speaking at a press conference following a Cabinet meeting, Yana said, "I have placed a tremendous burden on those involved, and I am truly sorry."
Support Team Handling Legal and Diet Matters
At the press conference, a reporter noted that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries had established a support team to assist Yana. The team includes officials from outside the ministry's secretariat and handles legal matters, responses to Diet questions, and media inquiries.
"It pains me that so many people have had to deal with all of this," Yana said.
He explained that while his own staff primarily handle matters related to his political activities, ministry officials have also become involved because of his ministerial duties and proceedings in the Diet.
Opposition Considers Censure Motion
On October 9, the Diet affairs chiefs of six opposition parties in the Upper House agreed to consider submitting a censure motion against Yanagi.
Asked about the possibility, Yanagi said, "Given my position, I cannot comment on matters that the Diet will decide." He added that he would "continue to provide thorough explanations and respond sincerely."
RELATED:
Takaichi Retains Key Ministers, Adds Five Newcomers in Cabinet Reshuffle
(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: Shimpei Okuhara, The Sankei Shimbun